Inspiration.
On 19 August, in the warm glow of winning a one-run game, Torey Lovullo said, “…prior to that we had stubborn at-bats.” My mind wandered and left me asking, “What exactly is a stubborn at-bat?”
How can stubborn be measured?
My initial thoughts separated a general skill into three distinct batting attributes: Stubborn, Patient, and Good Eye at the Plate. I defined at least two measurable criteria (there may be more than two) to measure each batting attribute. Baseball Savant had the data to measure these criteria. The criteria follow.
Stubborn: Two criteria and a bonus point.
On Base Percent (OBP) AFTER a count of two strikes. Through 19 August, league average was .246. This includes hits, walks, and hit-by-pitches.
Pitches AFTER two strikes divided by plate appearances. League average was 2.2.
Bonus point for this: When batting events not included in OBP show possibly productive outs/events AFTER two strikes. This includes Sac Fly, Sac bunt, Fielder’s Choice, and reach on error.
Patient: Two criteria.
Pitches per plate appearance. League average was 3.88 pitches.
A two-step test of patience: At least 5% of PAs reach a count of 3-0, then 80% of those PAs are non-outs. Remaining players will be ranked by number of non-outs achieved.
Good Eye at the Plate.
Called balls divided by called strikes. League average was 2.2.
Non-Whiffs divided by total swings. League average was 88.1%.
Walks divided by PAs. League average was 8.1%.
Note: For each criteria, best player on team was awarded 4 points, second was awarded 2 points, and third was awarded 1 point. Players with less than 50 PAs were not considered.
Which D-Backs were most stubborn?
Geraldo Perdomo was the most stubborn batter with 5 points awarded. It’s likely no surprise because he has a well-earned reputation for long at-bats and for being a tough out. As he is a player who often steps into a leadership role, stubborn is highly valued by the Diamondbacks.
Second most stubborn batter was Blaze Alexander with 4 points awarded. After playing 61 games last season, this season his batting improved to above average (OPS+ improved from 85 to 106). Recently he is the everyday third baseman. His defense is above average (2 OAA and 3 DRS in 39 games).
Third most stubborn batter was Ketel Marte. He is a star second baseman with incredible talent. In his 11th season in the Majors, he has the wisdom of experience. Stubborn at-bats is perhaps the best way to move forward from controversy.
Fourth most stubborn batter was Tyler Locklear. He was acquired at the trade deadline. When he reaches his ceiling, he will be the Diamondbacks’ first baseman of the future, likely as good as Christian Walker.
Which Diamondbacks were the most patient?
Pavin Smith was the most patient batter with 5 points awarded. This is his sixth season in the Majors as a Diamondback. He recently returned from the injured list (oblique). Possible roles are designated hitter and first base.
Geraldo Perdomo is the second most patient batter with 4 points awarded. His combination of stubbornness and patience have resulted in many interesting at-bats.
Tied for third/fourth most patient batter were Ketel Marte and Tyler Locklear.
Which Diamondbacks had the best eye at the plate?
Geraldo Perdomo was the best eye at the plate with 6 points. Adding this trait to his stubbornness and patience make him a powerful and challenging batter.
Tied for second/third eye at the plate were Pavin Smith and Josh Naylor with 4 points each. Josh Naylor was traded to the Mariners.
Ketel Marte was fourth eye at the plate with 3 points. Given his talent, it makes sense that he ranked high on all three traits.
Summary.
My initial thoughts separated a general skill into three distinct batting attributes: Stubborn, Patient, and Good Eye at the Plate. Each attribute was measured by two criteria. For each criteria, the top three players were awarded points to provide ranks.
- The most stubborn batters were Geraldo Perdomo, Blaze Alexander, Ketel Marte, and Tyler Locklear (in that order).
- The most patient batters were Pavin Smith, Geraldo Perdomo, Ketel Marte, and Tyler Locklear.
- The best eyes at the plate were Geraldo Perdomo, Pavin Smith, Josh Naylor, and Ketel Marte.
Geraldo Perdomo dominates the three traits: best in stubborness, best in eye at the plate, and second best in patience.
